Thoughts on LaPorta?

by keephopealive on Sep 4, 2007 1:20 PM CDT Comment 3 comments

Our first round pick, LaPorta, is just tearing up the low minors this year: 10 HRs, 27 RBI, .318/.392/.750 in 23 games at West Virginia this summer.

LaPorta was regarded as perhaps the best hitter in college baseball when we drafted him. Now that's a small sample, but those numbers are Braunian. I think it's at least safe to say he's recovered from his thigh injury, and adjusted well to a wooden bat.

Questions for discussion:

How has his defense been? Has anyone seen him play?
Will he be invited to spring training (I assume yes)?
Is there any outside chance he could be up by all-star break next year taking Menchkins spot?
Since his natural position is 1st base, and he's a Boras client like Prince, were the Brewers stupid for drafting him? (It seems like there's a conflict of interest... if Boras encourages Prince to leave when he's eligible, then he opens up a spot at first base for LaPorta)

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ok I'll take a stab

I have seen him play but he only was DH'ing in that game. Very annoying. The fans I talked to around me said they thought he was playing fine defense when he was in but they also didn't know who Jeffress was so take it for what it's worth.
I'm sure he will be invited to spring training.
I think that would be pushing it for him. Even Braun needed a year more than that to make it too the show. They might bring him up to DH in some american league games or maybe a september callup.
I am torn about the pick. The farm system has really dried up and the window is opening now. It sure is nice to get a pollished player who should be able to help sooner rather than later. On the flip side there were some very high ceiling guys available when the Brewers picked and they have a chance at being a much better player later than LaPorta. They did get him to sign for slot money and got him to sign early so that is a plus but this probably will be the lst draft they have a chance to get a real impact player. I wouldn't have drafted him but they have had a lot of success in the draft recently so it is hard to question their picks too much.

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by dixieflatline on Sep 5, 2007 3:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I tend to disagree with your last statement

It may be another year before the majority of the teams realize the slotting system is a joke. There may be some high impact, high ceiling players falling through. I do agree with you that the majority of our prospects (gilespie, ford, cain, gamel, etc.) are roster filler. Laporta was rated as the best bat (swing) in the draft by the video guy at the Hardball Times.

Ryan Braun is the Ed Hochuli of Third Basemen

by hyattff2003 on Sep 6, 2007 8:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah but he is older than everyone else too

You might be right about the slotting system causing players to fall though. But since the Brewers went with a pick that would sign for slot I am not sure if they would go for a break the bank player. They have been willing to deal with Boras though so maybe they might have an opportunity.

Visit my baseball blog ...or else!

by dixieflatline on Sep 6, 2007 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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